The first two picks in Thursday night's NBA draft, Kentucky's Anthony Davis and UK teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, of Somerdale, N.J., averaged just more than 26 points per game combined. Both need work on their offensive games, but they thrive on playing defense and never taking plays off.

Davis is considered a future NBA all-star and defensive-player-of-the-year candidate and secured the top spot long ago. While it wasn't a total surprise that Kidd-Gilchrist went second, it was far from a foregone conclusion. His total overall package, which starts with his work ethic, swayed the Bobcats.

"He's a winner who plays both ends of the floor well, an ultra-competitor and a high-character person," Charlotte general manager Rich Cho said during a draft-night news conference. "Out of my 17 years in the NBA involved with draft interviews, he's in the top five."

And of course, there is Kidd-Gilchrist's nonstop motor.

"He has a great work ethic and he's only going to get better," Cho said.